Tony Ferguson made a triumphant return to combat sports with a third-round knockout of TikTok sensation Salt Papi at the AO Arena in Manchester, ending a six-year losing streak that had plagued the former UFC interim lightweight champion.
Ferguson, who had previously struggled in the UFC and was initially set to return under the GFL banner against Dillon Danis, pivoted to Misfits Boxing when that matchup fell through. Facing the fast-rising Filipino star Salt Papi, who came in with three consecutive stoppage wins but a previous loss to MMA fighter Anthony Taylor, Ferguson looked revitalized and focused.
The opening rounds saw both fighters cautiously trading punches, with neither gaining a clear advantage. Salt Papi’s counter-punching threatened Ferguson at times, but as the bout progressed, Ferguson’s experience began to show. By the third round, Ferguson had Papi against the ropes and unleashed a flurry that forced the referee to step in, securing the stoppage victory.
The event also featured Dillon Danis making a quick return to MMA, submitting Warren Spencer in just 15 seconds on the undercard. Other highlights included reality TV star Joey Essex defeating Portuguese influencer Numeiro in a spirited, if chaotic, fight described by some as ‘the crap Hagler-Hearns.’
Ferguson’s KO victory marks a major milestone, restoring his winning momentum and giving fans a glimpse of the combat-ready version of the UFC legend fans had long hoped to see.
